Leicester City caretaker set to find out how long he will be staying in role

Caretaker manager Michael Appleton at the King Power Stadium ahead of the Carabao Cup match between Leicester City and Leeds United at King Power Stadium. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images) (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

Michael Appleton is set to find out how much longer he will remain in caretaker charge of Leicester City.

Appleton is due to speak with director of football Jon Rudkin on Wednesday to discuss his situation, with former Southampton boss Claude Puel the huge favourite to be named the next Leicester boss.

Puel has held talks with Leicester’s hierarchy over who might form part of his backroom staff if he does get the job, while Appleton has always said he wants to remain as assistant manager for the duration of his contract.

Appleton left his position as manager at League One side Oxford to join Craig Shakespeare’s staff on a three-year contract, but Shakespeare was sacked last Tuesday just four months into his own three-year deal.

Appleton admitted it has been a “rollercoaster” week for him and the club, yet led the side to their first away win of the Premier League season, at Swansea, as well as take them into the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.

Leicester City caretaker manager Michael Appleton (left) before the Carabao Cup, Fourth Round match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester. Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

“It’s been a rollercoaster to say the least,” said Shakespeare. “It’s been a difficult week, to lose your manager and then things happen very quickly as they did, it certainly would have been a lot tougher had we not won the last two games.

“But we tried to stay in a positive frame of mind, we tried to stay professional and prepare properly and I think the two performances suggest that has been the case.”

Kelechi Iheanacho, Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez all scored as Leicester came from behind to beat Championship side Leeds 3-1 at the King Power Stadium.

“The performance was very good,” said Appleton. “When it comes to cup competitions, it is about getting through to the next round, not necessarily the performance.

“The performance comes as a little bit of a bonus. On the back of the performance we had at Swansea at the weekend with a different group of players, that gives you a lot of belief.”

Appleton said he was unsure if he would still be in charge of the team when Leicester face fellow managerless side Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.

“As it stands at the minute, I am expecting to take the team but, ultimately, I know how things move quickly or slowly depending on the situation,” said Appleton. “I am sure I will have more information over the coming days.”